To anyone that thinks politics doesn't exist in the academy setting, just look at PDA. Pull up the '00 U14 academy team page and notice that only two players have accomplishments put in their bio's. That isn't put in by the players, rather by the club. Looks like they only have interest in developing 2 players rather than a team of players. Recognition comes from a club promoting the player as much, if not more, then the performance on the field. Opportunities are given to a select few but not others. Maybe NJSA isn't that bad?

Any word on those NJCSA new facilities. We were told in Fall 2013 they would ready for Spring '14. Have heard nothing as to where or when they? Any info. Sick of plying on borrowed worst fields from town in the dark. Where is out money going?

The reason why Match Fit and Cedar Stars only have one team is because Match Fit lost their license/status to the U16s and U18s and Cedar Stars is because they are a new academy. The USSDA has decided that the U14s are too young to be traveling far on a weekly basis so they have decided to allow some other academies to join that age group across the country to minimize the travel. Academies with U14 teams only, Cedar Stars, Lehigh Valley, World Class, Prince William, Albion SC, Diablo FC and etc...

To 7:50 - What are you, bragging about 13/14 year old soccer results from one game? - If your perspective is that limited in time so be it - Of course all academies are not the same, But what happened at the older teams games?

Both clubs have played very tough schedules facing 4 or 5 MLS academies during the fall. OverallPDA 18's have 6 wins, NJCSA has 4PDA 16's have 4 wins, NJSCA has 4

Is PDA a better run club?, probably, but shouldn't we be happy to have very high level competition in our area?, recognizing that there are some very talented players who we will see in college or beyond all coming from here? kids on either club are getting good games and good training with players of similar skill and determination.

The financing of the academy system still needs work - it is only 7 years old. It will be modified further - maybe either move to a 2 tier system - MLS division and a division with everyone else, or non-MLS clubs will partner with pro-clubs from elsewhere - ( a la Everton/WestChester, Chelsea/matchfit and others) - US Soccer is likely to continue to explore improvements - see the current NYT article - http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/18/sports/soccer/us-soccer-plans-review-of-youth-programs-to-try-to-close-gap-with-europe.html?_r=0

So really? get engaged, but pointing to one score line in one game to say 'my club is great and yours sucks' seems a but parochial

I agree it would be nice to have high level competition and talented players take the next step. But at NJSA, they are doing their talented players a disservice. Just read some of the posts on this board if you believe they are helping the overall academy system with their methodology towards training and preparing players for the next level.

Anyone who thinks there is good soccer being played in the area needs to get out of the area a little more. Maybe getting better, but not really close to being good. The US remains behind the world for many reasons, the level of coaching at the Academy level is definitely one of them.

Going there is the operative phrase. Are we to assume you actually are at NJSA, trying to throw everyone off and really haven't a clue of what your into or you are elsewhere and again, have no clue about what's going on at NJSA. Let's hear it so we can all LOAO!

They actually announced the new facilities on both websites when the merger was announced. So the new owner was aware.Another lie for the parents to choke down. Wonder what great pie in the sky promise they'll make next year to keep the hopefuls on board.

Has anyone heard of FSA Academy? I’ve never seen this group before. My son is a goalkeeper and I was forwarded an email regarding a trip to Italy to showcase players. I’ve been told that several NY, NJ & PA academies are being represented on the team including 7 Red Bulls players from the U14 & U16 team. They hold practice sessions throughout the winter for additional training. Just was looking to know if anyone knew anything about this academy. Thanks in advance.

October 15, 2013 NJSA04/CSA Merger:"We have committed to working on a soccer complex that will enable us to continue to grow and attract players to our state of the art facility. The planning stages have begun and we hope to have this completed within 12-18 month’s"

My son is looking to leave his club team to try out for next years 2015-16 U16 RB , Philly Union or PDA Academy teams. I've noticed both RB and Union currently don't have a U15 team.How would a player get a tryout out at one of these clubs and where are all of next years players coming from?

Anyone know when RB typically offers roster spots to potential pre academy and academy kids? May, June? I heard nycfc contacted some RB parents of upcoming U14 players already, but wondered in particular do RB wait for spring season to finish before making offer. I'm going to just ask Simon ( and he likely won't tell me!) but wondered anyone's experience firsthand.Thanks for any info, Soccer Mom, kid at Met Oval, RB showcase team, 03 skills challenge winner. PS We need to move near family in either NJ or CT next year and driving myself nuts trying to be prepared since they (RB)seem interested in my U11... I have no idea if they really are but want to be prepared as there is the little bro U 9 and where he'll train to consider IF the long shot occurs. Such first world problems I'm almost embarrassed to ask but figure I'd stop lurking. Thanks all.

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